Part 1: Rapture & Wrath: Ready or Not
Part
Part 2: A Scroll with 7 Seals: The Key to Unlocking the Chronology of the Last Days
Part 3: The Sealing of His Servants and the Salvation of His Saints Part
Part 4: Silence in Heaven Before God Goes to War Part
Part 5: And I Saw Another Mighty Angel Part
Part 6: “A Wondrous Woman and a Dreadful Dragon (Revelation 12)”
Part 2: A Scroll with 7 Seals: The Key to Unlocking the Chronology of the Last Days
Part 3: The Sealing of His Servants and the Salvation of His Saints Part
Part 4: Silence in Heaven Before God Goes to War Part
Part 5: And I Saw Another Mighty Angel Part
Part 6: “A Wondrous Woman and a Dreadful Dragon (Revelation 12)”
Extensive Explanation
No story, however wicked or perverse –imagined or real – can compare with the end-time scene the Apostle John presents to his readers in Revelation Chapter 13. The subject of the chapter is the Great Tribulation, which is also the topic in a number of earlier chapters.
Chapter 6 refers to martyrs of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 6:9-11). Chapter 11 refers to the two witnesses of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 11:3-12). Chapter 12 refers to the persecution of the Jews in Jerusalem during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12:13-16).
However, none of these chapters provides an extensive explanation regarding what the Great Tribulation will be like, nor do they refer to the demonic forces behind the coming horrific days. This task is left to Chapter 13 and is expanded upon in Chapter 17. In short, the Great Tribulation is Satan’s final attempt to defeat Christ and rule the world. Satan will lose the war and be totally defeated, but he will leave great devastation in his wake.
John’s purpose in writing of these things is not to frighten his readers, whom he calls “my little children” (1 John 2:1, 12, 13, 18, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4). Rather, his purpose is twofold: First, to inform God’s people concerning the events of the Last Days leading up to Christ’s return; and second, to keep the generation living at that time from being caught off-guard, or unprepared, for the unprecedented challenge and danger they will be forced to confront in Christ’s name.
John’s warning is a classic illustration of the truth that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.” To ignore the critical scene John is presenting, as some do, because it is too frightening and unpleasant to contemplate, is both unwise and irresponsible. Still others, who genuinely believe they will be raptured before these events occur, diminish the significance of John’s warning because of their sincere, but unsustainable theological position.
Revelation 13 reveals the final stage of the satanic strategy begun at the dawn of history to delude humanity into blaspheming God and His Son and, instead, direct humanity toward the worship of the Antichrist. The word “antichrist” is a transliteration of the Greek word antichristos.
The prefix “anti” means “against”; it also means “in place of.” While there are a number of references to the Antichrist in the New Testament, the word “antichrist” itself appears only 4 times, and in each instance it comes from the inspired pen of the Apostle John (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7). John writes of the Antichrist (singular) who is to come at the end of the age and of “antichrists” (plural) that were present in his day.
“Antichrists” were men who rejected the teaching that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who came in the flesh. In so doing, they also rejected the Father who sent Him. In its place they championed belief in pseudo – or false – “christs” (anointed ones).
No story, however wicked or perverse –imagined or real – can compare with the end-time scene the Apostle John presents to his readers in Revelation Chapter 13. The subject of the chapter is the Great Tribulation, which is also the topic in a number of earlier chapters.
Chapter 6 refers to martyrs of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 6:9-11). Chapter 11 refers to the two witnesses of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 11:3-12). Chapter 12 refers to the persecution of the Jews in Jerusalem during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12:13-16).
However, none of these chapters provides an extensive explanation regarding what the Great Tribulation will be like, nor do they refer to the demonic forces behind the coming horrific days. This task is left to Chapter 13 and is expanded upon in Chapter 17. In short, the Great Tribulation is Satan’s final attempt to defeat Christ and rule the world. Satan will lose the war and be totally defeated, but he will leave great devastation in his wake.
John’s purpose in writing of these things is not to frighten his readers, whom he calls “my little children” (1 John 2:1, 12, 13, 18, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4). Rather, his purpose is twofold: First, to inform God’s people concerning the events of the Last Days leading up to Christ’s return; and second, to keep the generation living at that time from being caught off-guard, or unprepared, for the unprecedented challenge and danger they will be forced to confront in Christ’s name.
John’s warning is a classic illustration of the truth that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.” To ignore the critical scene John is presenting, as some do, because it is too frightening and unpleasant to contemplate, is both unwise and irresponsible. Still others, who genuinely believe they will be raptured before these events occur, diminish the significance of John’s warning because of their sincere, but unsustainable theological position.
Revelation 13 reveals the final stage of the satanic strategy begun at the dawn of history to delude humanity into blaspheming God and His Son and, instead, direct humanity toward the worship of the Antichrist. The word “antichrist” is a transliteration of the Greek word antichristos.
The prefix “anti” means “against”; it also means “in place of.” While there are a number of references to the Antichrist in the New Testament, the word “antichrist” itself appears only 4 times, and in each instance it comes from the inspired pen of the Apostle John (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7). John writes of the Antichrist (singular) who is to come at the end of the age and of “antichrists” (plural) that were present in his day.
“Antichrists” were men who rejected the teaching that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who came in the flesh. In so doing, they also rejected the Father who sent Him. In its place they championed belief in pseudo – or false – “christs” (anointed ones).
The Apostle Paul unites the concepts of the end-time Antichrist being both “against” and “in place of” the true Christ as he described “the man of sin” (the Antichrist) in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: “… and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth [meaning ‘to be against’] and exalteth himself above [meaning ‘to be in place of’] all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, [showing] himself that he is God.” The Antichrist wants Christ’s crown, scepter, throne, and subjects.
In speaking of the end-time Antichrist, John describes a time when Jerusalem and the Jews will be at the center of Antichrist’s persecution and when born-again Christians will be called upon to be valiant and faithful to their Lord, to a degree never before experienced, as all the powers of Hell will be marshaled against them (Revelation 12:17; 14:12).
The Church will be exempted by rapture from the wrath of God, which will be directed against ungodly humanity during the Day of the Lord. The Church, however, will not be exempted from the persecution of Satan and the Antichrist– which occurs earlier, during the Great Tribulation – when God’s name and character will be under assault and universally blasphemed.
One would hope that during such an hour believers would have a burning desire to remain resolute, courageous, and faithful out of unbridled love for their Savior, while at the same time knowing that such action could result in their martyrdom.
The Jews, in contrast, are warned by the Lord in His Olivet Discourse to flee Jerusalem when the abomination of desolation triggers the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:14-16). The reason for the warning given to the Jews to flee is based on the fact that the armies of the world are going to converge on Jerusalem, and there will be a terrible bloodbath (Luke 21:20).
The believing Church, scattered as she is throughout the world, has been given no such command to flee. The Lord encouraged His beloved Church to remain faithful during the Great Tribulation with these promises:
To the church of Ephesus He promised: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life” (Revelation 2:7).
To the church of Smyrna He promised: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days [a short period of time]: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
To the church of Pergamos He promised: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna” (Revelation 2:17).
To the church of Thyatira He promised: “Hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end [of the age], to him will I give power over the nations” (Revelation 2:25-26).
To the church at Sardis He promised: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5).
To the church of Philadelphia He promised: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience [‘patience’ is faithfulness to the Lord in the midst of terrible adversity during the Great Tribulation], I also will keep thee from [or ‘out of,’ by rapture] the hour of temptation [the trumpet and bowl judgments which occur during the Day of the Lord], which shall come upon all the world, to [judge] them that dwell upon the earth” (Revelation 3:10).
To the church of Laodicea He promised: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame [Jesus overcame by being faithful unto death], and am set down [at His ascension] with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21).
In speaking of the end-time Antichrist, John describes a time when Jerusalem and the Jews will be at the center of Antichrist’s persecution and when born-again Christians will be called upon to be valiant and faithful to their Lord, to a degree never before experienced, as all the powers of Hell will be marshaled against them (Revelation 12:17; 14:12).
The Church will be exempted by rapture from the wrath of God, which will be directed against ungodly humanity during the Day of the Lord. The Church, however, will not be exempted from the persecution of Satan and the Antichrist– which occurs earlier, during the Great Tribulation – when God’s name and character will be under assault and universally blasphemed.
One would hope that during such an hour believers would have a burning desire to remain resolute, courageous, and faithful out of unbridled love for their Savior, while at the same time knowing that such action could result in their martyrdom.
The Jews, in contrast, are warned by the Lord in His Olivet Discourse to flee Jerusalem when the abomination of desolation triggers the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:14-16). The reason for the warning given to the Jews to flee is based on the fact that the armies of the world are going to converge on Jerusalem, and there will be a terrible bloodbath (Luke 21:20).
The believing Church, scattered as she is throughout the world, has been given no such command to flee. The Lord encouraged His beloved Church to remain faithful during the Great Tribulation with these promises:
To the church of Ephesus He promised: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life” (Revelation 2:7).
To the church of Smyrna He promised: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days [a short period of time]: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
To the church of Pergamos He promised: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna” (Revelation 2:17).
To the church of Thyatira He promised: “Hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end [of the age], to him will I give power over the nations” (Revelation 2:25-26).
To the church at Sardis He promised: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5).
To the church of Philadelphia He promised: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience [‘patience’ is faithfulness to the Lord in the midst of terrible adversity during the Great Tribulation], I also will keep thee from [or ‘out of,’ by rapture] the hour of temptation [the trumpet and bowl judgments which occur during the Day of the Lord], which shall come upon all the world, to [judge] them that dwell upon the earth” (Revelation 3:10).
To the church of Laodicea He promised: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame [Jesus overcame by being faithful unto death], and am set down [at His ascension] with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21).
The Book of Revelation is futuristic. It is the apocalypse (unveiling) of Christ’s power and glory at the end of the age (Revelation 1:1). The dangers and promises spoken to the 7 churches will have their ultimate fulfillment during the Great Tribulation.
The urgent, repeated call to the Church during the Great Tribulation is to be an overcomer, but what does this mean? It should not surprise us that the same John who wrote Revelation gave us the authoritative definition of an overcomer in his first epistle:
The urgent, repeated call to the Church during the Great Tribulation is to be an overcomer, but what does this mean? It should not surprise us that the same John who wrote Revelation gave us the authoritative definition of an overcomer in his first epistle:
“For [whosoever] is born of God overcometh the world [this cosmos or ordered system, headed by Satan]: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”(1 John 5:4-5).
According to John, first, to be an overcomer one must be “born of God.” Second, to be born of God one must exhibit “faith.” And third, the object of that faith is belief that Jesus is the Son of God in flesh; and in a broader sense, that in His life and death He accomplished those things the Bible attributes to Him.
Among those things are His virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death (that is, He died on our behalf), bodily resurrection, visible ascension, priestly enthronement at the right hand of His father, and His future Second Coming.
In the events described in Revelation 13, the dragon (Satan), the beast out of the sea (a revived empire under the authority of the Antichrist), and the beast out of the land (the false prophet) will demand that humanity worship the Antichrist and blaspheme God and His Son. A major theme of the Great Tribulation will be the blaspheming of God by Satan, his demon minions, and the great mass of people who will choose to follow him.
The Antichrist and false prophet will seek to authenticate their false message through highly impressive, satanically-empowered miracles and wonders. These will not be cheap magicians’ tricks. Therefore, great discernment will be required to determine who and what is of God and who and what is not of God.
Today there is a famine in the land, not of bread, but “of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11). As believers living in this sinful world, we are not ready to confront the unique challenges of the Last Days. And the Last Days could soon confront us. Faithfully resisting the demands of Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet during the Great Tribulation will result in the martyrdom of many believers (Revelation 13:6-7).
In that environment, the great mass of humanity (which will include multitudes who identify themselves as Christians but who know nothing whatsoever of the grace of God and therefore have never been “born of God”) will quickly succumb and follow Satan and the Antichrist. They will not be overcomers.
The shocking and tragic reality is that at the end of the age hundreds of millions of men and women will, of their own volition, choose Satan over God, and the Antichrist over the true Christ. It will be the ultimate manifestation of the reality that humanity loves darkness more than light because its deeds are evil (John 3:19).
In marked contrast, all true believers living during the Great Tribulation will be given grace to remain faithful because they are “born of God.” They will, without exception, be the overcomers. This is the divine promise (1 John 5:5). True believers will never give in to the Antichrist and take his mark.
But God does not promise that being an overcomer will be easy. In the words of an old hymn we rarely sing anymore, “Some thru the waters, some thru the flood, some thru the fire, but all thru the blood.” What joy, what privilege, what honor it will be for the true Church to be given the opportunity to remain faithful to their Lord while all the poisonous arrows of Hell and the collective wickedness of unregenerate men will be targeted against our Savior.
At His first coming, as Calvary approached, all forsook Him – even His apostles. God forbid that in connection with His second coming – as Satan is launching his final attack and as the world is blaspheming the name of Jesus – His Church should turn and run.
As I reflect upon these things, I am deeply saddened that many, however well-intended, have bought into a system of theology that demonstrably was not held by the early Church, is clearly not sustained in the Scriptures, and, in historical precedent, is less than 200 years old, which teaches the Church will be removed by rapture before the Antichrist and the Great Tribulation are upon us.
Among those things are His virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death (that is, He died on our behalf), bodily resurrection, visible ascension, priestly enthronement at the right hand of His father, and His future Second Coming.
In the events described in Revelation 13, the dragon (Satan), the beast out of the sea (a revived empire under the authority of the Antichrist), and the beast out of the land (the false prophet) will demand that humanity worship the Antichrist and blaspheme God and His Son. A major theme of the Great Tribulation will be the blaspheming of God by Satan, his demon minions, and the great mass of people who will choose to follow him.
The Antichrist and false prophet will seek to authenticate their false message through highly impressive, satanically-empowered miracles and wonders. These will not be cheap magicians’ tricks. Therefore, great discernment will be required to determine who and what is of God and who and what is not of God.
Today there is a famine in the land, not of bread, but “of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11). As believers living in this sinful world, we are not ready to confront the unique challenges of the Last Days. And the Last Days could soon confront us. Faithfully resisting the demands of Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet during the Great Tribulation will result in the martyrdom of many believers (Revelation 13:6-7).
In that environment, the great mass of humanity (which will include multitudes who identify themselves as Christians but who know nothing whatsoever of the grace of God and therefore have never been “born of God”) will quickly succumb and follow Satan and the Antichrist. They will not be overcomers.
The shocking and tragic reality is that at the end of the age hundreds of millions of men and women will, of their own volition, choose Satan over God, and the Antichrist over the true Christ. It will be the ultimate manifestation of the reality that humanity loves darkness more than light because its deeds are evil (John 3:19).
In marked contrast, all true believers living during the Great Tribulation will be given grace to remain faithful because they are “born of God.” They will, without exception, be the overcomers. This is the divine promise (1 John 5:5). True believers will never give in to the Antichrist and take his mark.
But God does not promise that being an overcomer will be easy. In the words of an old hymn we rarely sing anymore, “Some thru the waters, some thru the flood, some thru the fire, but all thru the blood.” What joy, what privilege, what honor it will be for the true Church to be given the opportunity to remain faithful to their Lord while all the poisonous arrows of Hell and the collective wickedness of unregenerate men will be targeted against our Savior.
At His first coming, as Calvary approached, all forsook Him – even His apostles. God forbid that in connection with His second coming – as Satan is launching his final attack and as the world is blaspheming the name of Jesus – His Church should turn and run.
As I reflect upon these things, I am deeply saddened that many, however well-intended, have bought into a system of theology that demonstrably was not held by the early Church, is clearly not sustained in the Scriptures, and, in historical precedent, is less than 200 years old, which teaches the Church will be removed by rapture before the Antichrist and the Great Tribulation are upon us.
We sing “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus, going on before!” At the same time, many today are totally unprepared to face the enemy – counting instead on evacuating the area before the climactic battle even begins.
As I look out at America’s Bible-believing Church today, I cannot help but wonder: Are we as Christians preparing for battle like a soldier who expects to face combat – with commitment, diligence, and passion? Are we made of paper-mâché or are we made of forged steel? Are we simply going through the motions – marching to a comfortable cadence – without a real sense that we may be the generation called upon to enter a raging battle just over the next horizon?
Perhaps this is the reason the Church in America, with some notable exceptions, has become increasingly irrelevant, cold, and anemic at this hour of history. God’s Word is a two-edged sword, and I speak to myself and of my own sinfulness, shortcomings, and shallowness before I address others.
The apostle Paul wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). For Paul, the purpose for living was all about Christ, and to die was all about winning. Oh that Paul’s passionate and unbending commitment to Christ would become our commitment to Christ.
These are bold words. Some may be theologically offended or put off by my directness. But directness is required by the lateness of the hour. It is my sincere prayer for the body of believers living in America and around the world that we would be strengthened and revitalized, by God’s grace – to prepare for what will soon come upon the earth.
The Beast Out of the Sea
Revelation 12 ended with these words:
As I look out at America’s Bible-believing Church today, I cannot help but wonder: Are we as Christians preparing for battle like a soldier who expects to face combat – with commitment, diligence, and passion? Are we made of paper-mâché or are we made of forged steel? Are we simply going through the motions – marching to a comfortable cadence – without a real sense that we may be the generation called upon to enter a raging battle just over the next horizon?
Perhaps this is the reason the Church in America, with some notable exceptions, has become increasingly irrelevant, cold, and anemic at this hour of history. God’s Word is a two-edged sword, and I speak to myself and of my own sinfulness, shortcomings, and shallowness before I address others.
The apostle Paul wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). For Paul, the purpose for living was all about Christ, and to die was all about winning. Oh that Paul’s passionate and unbending commitment to Christ would become our commitment to Christ.
These are bold words. Some may be theologically offended or put off by my directness. But directness is required by the lateness of the hour. It is my sincere prayer for the body of believers living in America and around the world that we would be strengthened and revitalized, by God’s grace – to prepare for what will soon come upon the earth.
The Beast Out of the Sea
Revelation 12 ended with these words:
“And the dragon [Satan] was [enraged] with the woman [Israel], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17).
The “remnant of her seed” against whom the dragon will make war during the Great Tribulation is not simply the Jews, or those Gentiles who come to faith during the 70th Week of Daniel (the final 7 years of this era of human history) – it also includes the believing Church which is still on Earth (Revelation 14:12).
It is through the provision of the covenant God made with Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, that all men and women can be saved (Genesis 12:1-3). The believing Church is not Israel; it never was Israel; and never will replace Israel.
Replacement Theology has no legitimacy in God’s Word. To suggest that the Church has taken the place of Israel is not only a form of spiritual anti-Semitism, it is far worse; it denies the faithfulness of God to His eternal promises. Having said this, it must also be understood that all of the Church’s blessings come through Israel and her incomparable Son.
It is this association which will place Gentile believers – the “remnant of her seed” – in the crosshairs of Satan’s persecution in the Last Days. In our beloved America, we are already seeing increased attempts to dismantle Christianity, rewrite the Judeo-Christian foundation out of our history, and silence those who hold to biblical principles. It is only going to get worse – much worse. It grieves my heart to say it, but I believe that persecution of both Jews and Christians will be coming to America in the not-too-distant future.
The epicenter of persecution is going to be in the Middle East – specifically in Israel. But like the dramatic impact of a powerful earthquake centered deep beneath the ocean floor, a rising tide of persecution is going to flow across the sea of nations and cause a massive Tsunami. Obviously, some parts of the world will be hit more severely than others by this wave of persecution.
However, Satan’s attack against believers during the Great Tribulation will be so successful that the Lord taught:
It is through the provision of the covenant God made with Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, that all men and women can be saved (Genesis 12:1-3). The believing Church is not Israel; it never was Israel; and never will replace Israel.
Replacement Theology has no legitimacy in God’s Word. To suggest that the Church has taken the place of Israel is not only a form of spiritual anti-Semitism, it is far worse; it denies the faithfulness of God to His eternal promises. Having said this, it must also be understood that all of the Church’s blessings come through Israel and her incomparable Son.
It is this association which will place Gentile believers – the “remnant of her seed” – in the crosshairs of Satan’s persecution in the Last Days. In our beloved America, we are already seeing increased attempts to dismantle Christianity, rewrite the Judeo-Christian foundation out of our history, and silence those who hold to biblical principles. It is only going to get worse – much worse. It grieves my heart to say it, but I believe that persecution of both Jews and Christians will be coming to America in the not-too-distant future.
The epicenter of persecution is going to be in the Middle East – specifically in Israel. But like the dramatic impact of a powerful earthquake centered deep beneath the ocean floor, a rising tide of persecution is going to flow across the sea of nations and cause a massive Tsunami. Obviously, some parts of the world will be hit more severely than others by this wave of persecution.
However, Satan’s attack against believers during the Great Tribulation will be so successful that the Lord taught:
“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved [that is, none who would survive the persecution of Antichrist]: but for the elect’s sake those days [of great tribulation] shall be shortened” (Matthew 24:22).
Satan is not attacking the unsaved world unless it is in the realm of expanding his political power base. He desires the worship and allegiance of the unsaved world with the intent of making them subjects of his kingdom of darkness. It is believers – whose worship and allegiance he does not have – that he seeks.
If God does not directly intervene by shortening the length of the Great Tribulation, no believers will survive the onslaught of Satan (Matthew 24:22). But God, in great grace, will intervene – He will shorten the Great Tribulation with the onset of the Day of the Lord (Matthew 24:29-30).
There are 3 divisions (not 2, as often taught) to Daniel’s 70th Week. They are: the beginning birth pangs, the Great Tribulation, and the Day of the Lord. The Lord clearly reveals these 3 divisions in His Olivet Discourse in Matthew Chapter 24.
One day Jesus told His followers to “take up his [your] cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). He was not teaching that everyone has a cross to bear as is frequently suggested. He was saying: “If you are not willing to die – to be a martyr – for Me at a future time should the need arise, you are not worthy to live [be a disciple] for Me today.”
Authentic biblical Christianity is not some kind of tiptoe-through-the-tulips, politically-correct, easy-belief religion. Christians are called to be bold, resolute, and courageous – following our Savior wherever the battle leads – even if, at some point, it requires our very lives. If we are afraid to share the wondrous Gospel of Jesus Christ with our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers today, what kind of soldier will we be tomorrow when things get tough and we are called to stand for truth at a time when we have far more to lose?
No wonder Generation X and Millennials are lulled to sleep in many of our churches – we give them no legitimate biblical challenge. Ever-expanding contemporary programs may bring in young people, but they are not a substitute for a biblical call to total commitment. Contemporary seeker-driven programs may grow church attendance, but this alone will not develop disciples.
The Greek word for “martyr” carries with it the idea of being a faithful witness, even if it leads to death. Obviously, martyrdom is not a pleasant idea, nor is it something we seek. Yet, Christ’s call to all of His true sons and daughters is to remain steadfast and faithful, no matter the cost.
This call to believers is absolutely crucial in light of the Apostle John’s words:
If God does not directly intervene by shortening the length of the Great Tribulation, no believers will survive the onslaught of Satan (Matthew 24:22). But God, in great grace, will intervene – He will shorten the Great Tribulation with the onset of the Day of the Lord (Matthew 24:29-30).
There are 3 divisions (not 2, as often taught) to Daniel’s 70th Week. They are: the beginning birth pangs, the Great Tribulation, and the Day of the Lord. The Lord clearly reveals these 3 divisions in His Olivet Discourse in Matthew Chapter 24.
One day Jesus told His followers to “take up his [your] cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). He was not teaching that everyone has a cross to bear as is frequently suggested. He was saying: “If you are not willing to die – to be a martyr – for Me at a future time should the need arise, you are not worthy to live [be a disciple] for Me today.”
Authentic biblical Christianity is not some kind of tiptoe-through-the-tulips, politically-correct, easy-belief religion. Christians are called to be bold, resolute, and courageous – following our Savior wherever the battle leads – even if, at some point, it requires our very lives. If we are afraid to share the wondrous Gospel of Jesus Christ with our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers today, what kind of soldier will we be tomorrow when things get tough and we are called to stand for truth at a time when we have far more to lose?
No wonder Generation X and Millennials are lulled to sleep in many of our churches – we give them no legitimate biblical challenge. Ever-expanding contemporary programs may bring in young people, but they are not a substitute for a biblical call to total commitment. Contemporary seeker-driven programs may grow church attendance, but this alone will not develop disciples.
The Greek word for “martyr” carries with it the idea of being a faithful witness, even if it leads to death. Obviously, martyrdom is not a pleasant idea, nor is it something we seek. Yet, Christ’s call to all of His true sons and daughters is to remain steadfast and faithful, no matter the cost.
This call to believers is absolutely crucial in light of the Apostle John’s words:
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy” (Revelation 13:1).
How ominous! How frightening! A 7-headed, 10-horned, grotesque beast – history’s most powerful demonic creature – re-emerging from among the nations of the world through Satan’s power in a diabolical war against those who refuse to give their allegiance to the beast, but instead choose to follow Christ!
It would be wonderful to be able to say to all believers at that time, “Now is the time to go to war! Pull out the sword from your scabbard and slay this 7-headed, 10-horned beast.” But the reality is, he is too powerful for us. We must leave his defeat to our King. Our responsibility is to stand strong by remaining faithful to Christ.
It is the dragon (Satan) of Chapter 12 who summons the beast “out of the sea” to assist in his all-out assault against God and His redeemed people. The phrase, “out of the sea” is most likely a reference to the Gentile nations (Revelation 17:1, 15).
First, the beast is said to have 7 heads. It is important to understand that these heads symbolize previous empires Satan used in an attempt to either assimilate or annihilate the Jewish people throughout their history. In seeking to destroy God’s Chosen people and the Promised Seed (Jesus Christ) that would be born through them, Satan believed he could thwart God’s redemptive plan to bring salvation to the world through Christ’s finished work on the Cross.
Second, the beast has 10 horns. They represent ten future nations that will unite together to form a revived final beast empire.
Third, the beast has 10 crowns. These crowns symbolize the 10 future kings of these 10 nations who willingly give their authority to one individual who will rule over them – the Antichrist.
John continues his description by using a combination of 3 animals to visualize the beast. There is no one animal that can accurately represent its appearance because there is no one animal that can fully reflect its character. For this reason it is described as a composite beast. John wrote:
It would be wonderful to be able to say to all believers at that time, “Now is the time to go to war! Pull out the sword from your scabbard and slay this 7-headed, 10-horned beast.” But the reality is, he is too powerful for us. We must leave his defeat to our King. Our responsibility is to stand strong by remaining faithful to Christ.
It is the dragon (Satan) of Chapter 12 who summons the beast “out of the sea” to assist in his all-out assault against God and His redeemed people. The phrase, “out of the sea” is most likely a reference to the Gentile nations (Revelation 17:1, 15).
First, the beast is said to have 7 heads. It is important to understand that these heads symbolize previous empires Satan used in an attempt to either assimilate or annihilate the Jewish people throughout their history. In seeking to destroy God’s Chosen people and the Promised Seed (Jesus Christ) that would be born through them, Satan believed he could thwart God’s redemptive plan to bring salvation to the world through Christ’s finished work on the Cross.
Second, the beast has 10 horns. They represent ten future nations that will unite together to form a revived final beast empire.
Third, the beast has 10 crowns. These crowns symbolize the 10 future kings of these 10 nations who willingly give their authority to one individual who will rule over them – the Antichrist.
John continues his description by using a combination of 3 animals to visualize the beast. There is no one animal that can accurately represent its appearance because there is no one animal that can fully reflect its character. For this reason it is described as a composite beast. John wrote:
“And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion” (Revelation 13:2a).
This is immediately reminiscent of the beasts of Daniel 7, although they are listed in the opposite order here in Revelation 13. The leopard represented the agility and speed of the Grecian Empire of Alexander the Great. The feet of a bear represented the lumbering power of the Medo-Persian Empire, and the mouth of a lion represented the ferociousness of the Babylonian Empire of Nebuchadnezzar.
In speaking of the beast, we are told: “And the dragon [Satan] gave him his power, and his seat [throne], and great authority” (Revelation 13:2b). John saw one of the 7 heads of the beast “as it were wounded to death” (Revelation 13:3). The expression “as it were wounded to death” is precisely the same Greek wording used of Christ and translated “as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6).
If Jesus at His crucifixion actually died (and He did), it must be concluded that one of the heads of the beast actually died. But more than that, John tells us “his deadly wound was healed” (Revelation 13:3). This can only be referring to a restoration to life. Some don’t want to attribute this power to Satan – but I believe it is so.
Since a “head” of the beast can refer to both a kingdom and its king, the question is: “Who or what died and was raised to life again?” Is the text referring to one of the 7 kingdoms over which the beast ruled which died and came back into existence, or is it referring to a king of one of the 7 kingdoms who died and was brought back to life?
It seems clear that the revival of an ancient empire is in view here. But it is possible that a king – the Antichrist, himself – is also in view and that his restoration to life will be observable by the masses of people. As a result of this restoration to life, John wrote, “And all the world wondered after the beast” (Revelation 13:3c).
In response to repeated questions, Jesus told the Jewish leaders that the sign (miracle or wonder) to authenticate all He did in life and death would be His resurrection (John 2:18-21). Satan, therefore, may perform a counterfeit resurrection to authenticate his counterfeit message concerning the Antichrist. Jesus was resurrected, never to die again. The Antichrist will be raised from the dead, but eventually, he will be thrown into the abyss for eternity (Revelation 19:20).
One cannot help but reflect on the Lord’s comments in His discourse on the Mount of Olives. He said: “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5).
And again, He said: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall [show] great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24). What greater counterfeit sign could there be than one being raised from the dead?
As a result of these things, we are told:
In speaking of the beast, we are told: “And the dragon [Satan] gave him his power, and his seat [throne], and great authority” (Revelation 13:2b). John saw one of the 7 heads of the beast “as it were wounded to death” (Revelation 13:3). The expression “as it were wounded to death” is precisely the same Greek wording used of Christ and translated “as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6).
If Jesus at His crucifixion actually died (and He did), it must be concluded that one of the heads of the beast actually died. But more than that, John tells us “his deadly wound was healed” (Revelation 13:3). This can only be referring to a restoration to life. Some don’t want to attribute this power to Satan – but I believe it is so.
Since a “head” of the beast can refer to both a kingdom and its king, the question is: “Who or what died and was raised to life again?” Is the text referring to one of the 7 kingdoms over which the beast ruled which died and came back into existence, or is it referring to a king of one of the 7 kingdoms who died and was brought back to life?
It seems clear that the revival of an ancient empire is in view here. But it is possible that a king – the Antichrist, himself – is also in view and that his restoration to life will be observable by the masses of people. As a result of this restoration to life, John wrote, “And all the world wondered after the beast” (Revelation 13:3c).
In response to repeated questions, Jesus told the Jewish leaders that the sign (miracle or wonder) to authenticate all He did in life and death would be His resurrection (John 2:18-21). Satan, therefore, may perform a counterfeit resurrection to authenticate his counterfeit message concerning the Antichrist. Jesus was resurrected, never to die again. The Antichrist will be raised from the dead, but eventually, he will be thrown into the abyss for eternity (Revelation 19:20).
One cannot help but reflect on the Lord’s comments in His discourse on the Mount of Olives. He said: “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5).
And again, He said: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall [show] great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24). What greater counterfeit sign could there be than one being raised from the dead?
As a result of these things, we are told:
“And they [the mass of humanity] worshipped the dragon [Satan] which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast [the Antichrist], saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:4).
“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them [only in the physical realm and only for a short time]: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Revelation 13:7).
Again, we are told: “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).
The world will worship the Antichrist. But there is a crucial exception. All will worship him, “whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). The powerful truth being revealed is this: Those whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world will not worship the Antichrist.
Then, suddenly, in the midst of this discussion of the dragon (Satan) and the beast (the Antichrist) and the persecution of the sons and daughters of God, John proclaims: “If any man have an ear, let him hear” (Revelation 13:9). It is an immediate reminder of Matthew’s comment in the midst of the Lord’s teaching on the Great Tribulation. Matthew wrote, “whoso readeth, let him understand” (Matthew 24:15).
In both instances, the idea is this: The subject being discussed is critically important; therefore, make every effort to understand it, because Satan will make every effort to keep the Church from understanding it.
Suddenly we are given a promise of righteous vindication and divine justice with these words: “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword” (Revelation 13:10a). Here is the ultimate manifestation of capital punishment. It is an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.
There are no excuses – there are no exceptions. Those who have persecuted or slain God’s sons and daughters will suddenly have the roles reversed. What the unsaved have done to believers God will do to them. It is not a matter of revenge; it is a matter of justice. “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Revelation 13:10b).
Two things are in view. First is patience. “Patience” is remaining true to God in the midst of great pressure and adversity. What is clearly in view here is the persecution directly attributed to the Great Tribulation.
The second thing is faith. “Faith” is the soul resting in the sufficiency of the evidence. It is taking God at His word with the unshakable conviction that what He has promised, He will bring to pass, even if the world itself and all the powers of Hell appear to be conspiring against it.
Then, without warning, John said: “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth” (Revelation 13:11a). What a shock! It almost leaves us breathless! Wasn’t the first beast devastating enough? And now, we are confronted with a second beast. The first beast (the Antichrist) comes out of the sea (the nations) and will be a Gentile. The second beast (the false prophet) comes out of the land (probably Israel) and will most likely be a Jew. Like the Antichrist, he too will be empowered by the dragon (Satan) for 3½ years.
Satan has now assembled his wicked, demonic team for his final attempt to take over Earth. But the question remains: What strategy will he employ to accomplish his diabolical work? I’ll share the answer from God’s Word in the part of “Rapture and Wrath.”
The world will worship the Antichrist. But there is a crucial exception. All will worship him, “whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). The powerful truth being revealed is this: Those whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world will not worship the Antichrist.
Then, suddenly, in the midst of this discussion of the dragon (Satan) and the beast (the Antichrist) and the persecution of the sons and daughters of God, John proclaims: “If any man have an ear, let him hear” (Revelation 13:9). It is an immediate reminder of Matthew’s comment in the midst of the Lord’s teaching on the Great Tribulation. Matthew wrote, “whoso readeth, let him understand” (Matthew 24:15).
In both instances, the idea is this: The subject being discussed is critically important; therefore, make every effort to understand it, because Satan will make every effort to keep the Church from understanding it.
Suddenly we are given a promise of righteous vindication and divine justice with these words: “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword” (Revelation 13:10a). Here is the ultimate manifestation of capital punishment. It is an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.
There are no excuses – there are no exceptions. Those who have persecuted or slain God’s sons and daughters will suddenly have the roles reversed. What the unsaved have done to believers God will do to them. It is not a matter of revenge; it is a matter of justice. “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Revelation 13:10b).
Two things are in view. First is patience. “Patience” is remaining true to God in the midst of great pressure and adversity. What is clearly in view here is the persecution directly attributed to the Great Tribulation.
The second thing is faith. “Faith” is the soul resting in the sufficiency of the evidence. It is taking God at His word with the unshakable conviction that what He has promised, He will bring to pass, even if the world itself and all the powers of Hell appear to be conspiring against it.
Then, without warning, John said: “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth” (Revelation 13:11a). What a shock! It almost leaves us breathless! Wasn’t the first beast devastating enough? And now, we are confronted with a second beast. The first beast (the Antichrist) comes out of the sea (the nations) and will be a Gentile. The second beast (the false prophet) comes out of the land (probably Israel) and will most likely be a Jew. Like the Antichrist, he too will be empowered by the dragon (Satan) for 3½ years.
Satan has now assembled his wicked, demonic team for his final attempt to take over Earth. But the question remains: What strategy will he employ to accomplish his diabolical work? I’ll share the answer from God’s Word in the part of “Rapture and Wrath.”
Posted in End-Times, Israel, Middle East, Rapture & Wrath, Tribulation
Posted in Rapture, Wrath, endtimes, prophecy, Revelation
Posted in Rapture, Wrath, endtimes, prophecy, Revelation
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